Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you add preservatives to your products?

I do add preservatives to products that include water, a water equivalent substance, or products that one can reasonably expect may have water introduced into the dry ingredients. Examples of the latter include bath salts, milk baths and scrubs. Though they don't contain water, they are kept near water and used in the bath, so it is very easy for a little bit of water to mix with the product. This is the one reason that I cannot make the claim that every one of my products is 100% natural. Read on, but I would like to stress that mold begins to grow before you see it. I do not want to be responsible for a slather of mold on myself or anyone else. YUCK!

WHY USE PRESERVATIVES? Natural products that include or can incorporate water can quickly grow mold. You may not be able to see the mold as it grows, so you could be using a "moldy" product well before you actually visibly see mold. Natural products that include water or to which water may likely be introduced, without preservatives, should be kept in a cold, dark place like the refridgerator, and if you research you may also find that the products should be used very quickly, sometimes within as early as four weeks depending on the product. I do not want you, a child, a pet, me, my family or anyone else to use a product that is unhealthy. Though all other ingredients are natural and organic, I DO use preservatives in my own family's personal products because the safety of preservatives seems to far outweigh the harm done through use of a product with mold growth. I can't imagine me, my family, my friends, pets and customers being slathered with anything moldy on their face or body! I stress, YUCK! Again, this is the one reason that I cannot claim that every one of my products is 100% natural.

CAN I REQUEST A PRODUCT WITHOUT A PRESERVATIVE ADDED? Yes, you can! When you complete your order you can send me a note that I should omit the preservative in your product(s). Without a preservative added, you should keep your product in a cool dark place and use all of the product very quickly to avoid being subjected to nasty mold. From time to time I cross opinions stating that there are natural preservatives, for example vitamin E or grapefruit seed extract (GSE). However, I find more scientific support that there are no actual natural preservatives and I have seen mold growth in products with vitamin E, GSE and other ingredients that are claimed to be "natural preservatives". However, vitamin E, GSE and some other natural ingredients do appear to be helpful in the delay of rancidity and are very good antioxidants so I do add them to many of my products, but not as a preservative.

ARE PRESERVATIVES NEEDED FOR PRODUCTS WITHOUT A WATER OR WATER-EQUIVALENT COMPONENT? If a product is made without a water or water-equivalent component, such as a balm, salve, body oil, etc., a preservative is not necessary as mold cannot grow in this environment. However, please know that no matter where you get your natural products, oils can go "rancid". Therefore, it's best not to let them sit in your cabinet; it's best to use them daily to avoid rancidity over the long haul.

WHAT PRESERVATIVES DO YOU USE? Recommended preservatives are different depending upon the individual product and the ingredients it includes. If you have any questions about the preservatives in a product or if you would like for your product to be preservative-free, please
contact me.

How can I personalize a label?

Labels can be personalized with the first name only. Contact me for personalized labeling.

The two Foaming Face Wash labels to the left indicate "Sensitive Skin" and "Normal Skin" (though you can't see that part of the label on the middle bottle). I created the Foaming Face Wash in the bottle to the far right for a teenager with problem skin. Most teenagers are sensitive to their skin issues, and they usually do not like a word on the bottle that glaringly points out the problem! The label to the far right includes "Peyton's Special Blend" and it tackles the problem but doesn't announce it to everyone that sees the bathroom countertop.

There is a fee of $1.50 for each personalized label requested for each individual product regardless of quantity ordered. Contact us for bulk orders.

Can I request a product with different essential oils than those shown in the product?

If you would like to request different essential oils than those shown on a product page, please use the
contact us page and send me a detailed message. Please include the name of the product and the oil(s) you would like to have in this product. In most cases I can replace the essential oils with others, but there are some products for which I cannot change the oils. There may be a fee for changes in a product's essential oils and labeling. If you are buying in bulk please
contact us.

How can I request that my product(s) be unscented?

When you place your order, you will have an area by which you can leave a message to Villa Lake Beyond Naturals LLC with your order. In this area, indicate the name of each item, the quantity you have ordered of that particular item and how many of that particular item you would like to be unscented. I am asking that you clarify the quantity you have ordered of that particular item and the number you want to be unscented just so that we do not have a miscommunication. Please make sure that you have correctly noted the quantity to be unscented. There are no price changes for unscented products. We cannot replace or give refunds for these special order unscented products. I make my products by order so you receive the freshest product possible.

Richmond, Virginia 23294

​(804) 774-8363

Living Naturally

Please review our ​FAQ and
More Info pages for more information. Our products have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and information described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Seek the advice of your physician as necessary for medical issues for yourself, your loved ones and/or your pets. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult with your physician regarding use of essential oils.

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